PAPAR: Puteri UMNO chief Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the establishment of the Special Security Area (SSA) in Sabah, known as Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) is an appropriate move by the government to manage ongoing security concerns in the state.
She said the setting up of ESSCOM as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak proved that the government was prepared to take any action towards ensuring national security.
“I welcome the move on ESSCOM and congratulate Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. This is a proactive government action in defending the sovereignty of the country, especially here in Sabah,” she said.
She believed the setting up of the special security area will give a huge relief to the people, especially those affected by the incursion of the armed intruders in the east coast.
“As such, the move should be fully supported by all parties,” she said, when met after opening the School Sports Council Badminton Championships here.
The Papar member of parliament also reminded all parties not to raise any issues that could offend the sensitivities of the ethnic Sabahans when discussing the Lahad Datu intrusion.
She said spreading racial sentiments in regard to the incident will only damage the close relationship that have been nurtured and defended well by the different ethnicity in Sabah all this while.
“The people want all this turbulence to end and I am asking for this not to be manipulated and politicized by certain quarters for personal gain. Everyone should play a positive role, including supporting the government in responding to the intrusion and bringing the situation back to normal,” she said.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman on Monday said the State Security Council has agreed to rename SSA announced by Najib as Eastern Sabah Security Command.
He said the name had also been approved by the Prime Minister and that further details on ESSCOM would be announced soon.